Look up!

I recently visited Hatcher Pass after the latest snowfall; looking at the valley below, I was amazed by the beauty where we live. The wispy clouds hung high overhead, the sun shone brightly and you could make out roads and almost see people down below making their way through the day. I imagined people shopping or working--oblivious to me overhead, watching the happenings below. I wondered if they noticed the beauty like I did. Pioneer Peak can be spectacular as it juts out of the valley floor, snow-covered. I imagine that some folks barely look up from their phone, computer or other tasks and miss the beauty around them.

Unfortunately, some do not look up, not because they are consumed with work or deadlines, but some do not look up because they do not feel that they are worthy to. Life can be cruel at times and so can people. Regrettably, the pandemic has isolated people in more ways than expected and thus the increase in suicides, alcohol abuse and other forms of self-harm. More and more people feel isolated, different, unloved or unwanted for an endless number of reasons.

I recently lost a pilot friend who had been struggling with depression. He had recently returned to the job he loved and by all appearances, things were on the way up for him. Unfortunately, his feelings of joy were short-lived, and he died by suicide. I have tried to imagine my friend’s situation. I come up short every time. I wonder if I could play a role in preventing another suicide.

I know the last twenty months have been difficult for many. Some have lost their livelihoods, while others have worked harder than they have ever worked. The long hours of either boredom or exhaustion can be disabling. Some have seen sickness and death at unparalleled levels. These circumstances can make hope elusive. I imagine hope as a flame: a flicker of a match at times or a roaring bonfire. For many, a faint, low flame is all they see right now.

How can we rekindle our hope when it ebbs? I am reminded of a scripture in KJV Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord they God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Having the Lord with me helps maintain an eternal perspective. His love magnifies my own. Even when I cannot see my path ahead, I know he sees me. He hears me. And when I feel alone, he will inspire someone to reach out and act as his hands of comfort and rescue.

If your hope is wavering, may I offer a couple of suggestions? First, count the blessings that you have. Gratitude, especially with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, can heal many wounds and help put things into perspective. Second, this holiday season, do something for someone else —better yet, serve anonymously. The joy felt when you help a friend can be contagious. And last, perform multiple random acts of kindness. Hold the door open for someone, pay for the meal of the person behind you in line, visit an elderly friend, dance with your child, build a snowman. As you do these things, I promise that you will become “strong and of good courage.” You will look up, your perspective rising to the heavens as you follow the example of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dr. John Boston is a father, husband, grandfather, local physician, member of the Mat-Su Board of Trustees and Colonel in the Alaska Air National Guard. He believes in Christ and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints